Communications between thermostat and rooftop unit of climate control system

ABSTRACT

According to certain embodiments, a thermostat is configured for use in a climate control system. The thermostat is operable to use two-way communication for communicating operational information between the thermostat and at least one rooftop unit (RTU) within the climate control system. For example, the two-way communication comprises sending first operational information to the RTU and receiving second operational information from the RTU. The operational information comprising one or more climate control commands, setpoints, configuration information, diagnostics, and/or sensor data. The thermostat is further operable to operate the climate control system based on the operational information communicated between the thermostat and the RTU.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/785,017 filed Oct. 16, 2017, by Farhad Abrishamkar et al., andentitled “COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THERMOSTAT AND ROOFTOP UNIT OF CLIMATECONTROL SYSTEM,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/409,068, filed Oct. 17, 2016 by Farhad Abrishamkar et al. andentitled “CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM,” which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a climate control system.

BACKGROUND

Climate control systems cool and/or heat a space based on certaintemperature set points. In certain applications, climate control systemsmay be automated and/or controlled so that the temperature set pointschange based on certain conditions. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) controlsystems condition and ventilate based on certain humidity and carbondioxide setpoints. In certain applications, IAQ control systems may beautomated and/or controlled so that the relative humidity (and/or CO2)setpoints change based on certain conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to certain embodiments, a device is configured for use in aclimate control system. The device is operable to determine, based onconfiguration information, whether thermostat functionality of thedevice is enabled or disabled and whether sensor functionality of thedevice is enabled or disabled. The device is further operable to operateaccording to the configuration information. Thus, according to certainembodiments, the device can be configured as a thermostat, a sensor, orboth.

According to certain embodiments, a thermostat is configured for use ina climate control system. The thermostat is operable to use two-waycommunication for communicating operational information between thethermostat and at least one rooftop unit (RTU) within the climatecontrol system. For example, the two-way communication comprises sendingfirst operational information to the RTU and receiving secondoperational information from the RTU. The operational informationcomprising one or more climate control commands, setpoints,configuration information, diagnostics, and/or sensor data. Thethermostat is further operable to operate the climate control systembased on the operational information communicated between the thermostatand the RTU.

According to certain embodiments, a controller is operable to instruct aclimate control system to operate according to an occupied mode or anunoccupied mode based on a pre-defined schedule. The occupied mode usespre-defined settings associated with an occupied status, and theunoccupied mode uses pre-defined settings associated with an unoccupiedstatus. The controller is operable to receive an indication that anoccupancy sensor detects a space as being occupied. In response toreceiving the indication when the pre-defined schedule requires theclimate control system to operate in the unoccupied mode, the controlleris operable to instruct the climate control system to use thepre-defined settings associated with the occupied status during anoverride time period.

According to one embodiment, a climate control system includes a devicethat can operate as a temperature sensor, a thermostat, or both. A usercan set the operation of the device by interacting with an interface ofthe device.

According to another embodiment, a climate control system includesmultiple devices that can operate as a temperature sensor, a thermostat,or both. Some of these devices are configured to operate as temperaturesensors. These temperature sensors can be installed withoutreconfiguring the resistance/load of each temperature sensor. A user caninstall multiple temperature sensors by inputting the number oftemperature sensors into a central controller and installing thetemperature sensors.

According to another embodiment, a climate control system includes athermostat and a roof top unit. The thermostat and the roof top unit arein two-way communication with each other. The thermostat can communicatetemperature set points to the roof top unit. The roof top unit cancommunicate sensed humidity levels, carbon dioxide levels, etc. to thethermostat.

According to an embodiment, a climate control system includes athermostat that can detect when it is coupled to multiple roof topunits. The thermostat includes an interface that changes the informationthat is presented depending on whether the thermostat is coupled to oneroof top unit or multiple roof top units.

According to another embodiment, a climate control system includes adevice that operates as a thermostat and as a carbon dioxide sensor. Thecarbon dioxide sensor is integrated with the thermostat. For example,the carbon dioxide sensor may be included in the same housing as thethermostat and/or the carbon dioxide sensor may be included on the sameprinted circuit board as the thermostat.

According to an embodiment, a climate control system operates based onan occupancy of a room and/or a schedule. When an occupancy sensordetects that the room is occupied, the system may operate under an“occupied” temperature set range. When the occupancy sensor detects thatthe room is unoccupied, the system may operate under an “unoccupied”temperature set range.

Certain embodiments may provide one or more technical advantages. Forexample, an embodiment allows for greater control over the temperatureof a space. As another example, an embodiment allows for a climatecontrol system to provide greater comfort to a user. Certain embodimentsmay include none, some, or all of the above technical advantages. One ormore other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilledin the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, referenceis now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example building with a climate control system;

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate example climate control systems;

FIGS. 2D-2E are flowcharts illustrating methods of operating exampleclimate control systems;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example cooling system;

FIG. 3B illustrates an example heating system;

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate example temperature sensors;

FIG. 4C is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating exampleclimate control systems;

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate example climate control systems;

FIG. 5C is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating exampleclimate control systems;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example climate control system;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating methods of operating exampleclimate control systems;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method that may be performed by acontroller for a climate control system;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method that may be performed by adevice with configurable thermostat functionality and sensingfunctionality; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for two-way communicationbetween a thermostat and a rooftop unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure and its advantages are bestunderstood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 11 of the drawings, likenumerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the variousdrawings.

Climate control systems cool and heat a space based on certaintemperature set points. In certain applications, temperature set pointsmay be changed based on whether the space is occupied or unoccupied. Asanother example, temperature set points may be changed based on anexternal temperature. In an automated system, the system may determinewhether the temperature set point should be changed and if so, change tothe set point automatically. Certain embodiments of the climate controlsystems disclosed herein may include an IAQ control system. The IAQcontrol system conditions and ventilates based on certain humidityand/or carbon dioxide setpoints. In certain embodiments, the IAQ controlsystem may be automated and/or controlled so that the relative humidity(and/or CO2) setpoints change based on certain conditions.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example building with a climate control system. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, a building 100 includes several rooms. Each roommay be serviced by a climate control system. Each climate control systemoperates to cool and/or heat the room. Each climate control systemincludes a rooftop unit (RTU) 105. Each RTU 105 operates to cool and/orheat the room.

Each RTU 105 and/or climate control system may have temperature setpoints based on certain criteria. For example, if a room is notoccupied, the temperature set point may be set so that the RTU 105 doesnot operate as frequently. As another example, if a temperature externalto building 100 is cold, for example in the winter, the temperature setpoint may be set so that RTU 105 does not operate as frequently.

This disclosure contemplates a climate control system that includesseveral improvements over existing climate control systems. Theseimprovements will be described using FIGS. 2 through 11.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example climate control system. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the climate control system includes one or more RTUs 105 and oneor more sensors/thermostats 210. In particular embodiments, the climatecontrol system allows for each sensor/thermostat 210 to overridetemperature set points.

Each sensor/thermostat 210 may be located in a space 215 such as, forexample, a room of a building. Each sensor/thermostat 210 may detectvarious environmental conditions of the space 215 proximate thesensor/thermostat such as, for example, a temperature, a humidity, acarbon dioxide level, etc. Each sensor/thermostat 210 may then reportthe detected information to an RTU 105. The RTU 105 may then activateand/or deactivate based on the detected information and on thetemperature set points set by automation control 110 and/or sensor 210.

Each sensor/thermostat 210 includes an adjustment mechanism throughwhich a user can adjust a temperature set point for the particular RTU105. If the user changes the temperature set point, then RTU 105 mayoverride the temperature set point with the temperature set point set bythe user using sensor/thermostat 210. RTU 105 may then operate based onthe user's desired temperature set point for a period of time. In thismanner, the climate control system improves the comfort of the user.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism allows a user to changethe occupancy status of a space 215 (e.g., from unoccupied to occupied).If the user adjusts the occupancy status to occupied using theadjustment mechanism, then RTU 105 operates based on temperature setpoints for an occupied space 215 rather than an unoccupied space 215.Effectively, the user uses sensor/thermostat 210 to override theoccupancy status (and the temperature set points with some limitations).

In particular embodiments, the climate control system includes one ormore dehumidifiers. Each sensor/thermostat 210 may detect a humidity ofthe space 215 proximate the sensor/thermostat 210. Based on the detectedhumidity, the climate control system may activate and/or deactivate theone or more dehumidifiers to adjust the humidity of the space 215. Inthis manner, the comfort of the space 215 and the user may be improved.Similar to temperature, certain embodiments provide the user with theability to adjust the humidity setpoint, for example, by using agraphical user interface to configure the humidity setpoint.

In certain embodiments, the climate control system includes one or moredampers that control intake of air external to a building such as, forexample, building 100. Each sensor/thermostat 210 may also detect acarbon dioxide level of the space 215 proximate the sensor. Based on thedetected carbon dioxide level of the space 215, the climate controlsystem may adjust a position of the dampers to allow more or lessexternal air to flow into the space 215. In this manner, climate controlsystem 200 may adjust the carbon dioxide level of the space 215 therebyimproving the comfort of the space 215 and/or the user. In certainembodiments, the carbon dioxide settings are setup during commissioningof the climate control system.

In certain embodiments, the one or more RTUs 105 and the one or moresensors/thermostats 210 are not located in the same spaces. For example,the one or more RTUs 105 may be located on the rooftop of a building.Each sensor/thermostat 210 may be located in a different room of thebuilding.

In some embodiments, sensor/thermostat 210 communicates with multipleRTUs 105. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, a large space (e.g., agym or auditorium) may use multiple RTUs to control the comfort of thosespaces. However, only one sensor/thermostat 210 may be used to controlthe multiple RTUs 105. Each RTU 105 may include a controller 325 thatcommunicates with sensor/thermostat 210.

In some embodiments, one RTU 105 may control the comfort of multiplespaces 215. For example, an RTU 105 may control the climate in severalsmall rooms (e.g., bedrooms, classrooms, etc.). Each space 215 may haveits own sensor/thermostat 210. One sensor/thermostat 210 in one room maycontrol the operation of RTU 105 while the other sensors/thermostats 210detect the temperature and/or climate of the other spaces 215. Thedetected temperature, humidities, etc. across the sensors/thermostats210 may be averaged to determine whether RTU 105 should activate ordeactivate.

This disclosure contemplates sensor/thermostat 210 operating as either asensor, a thermostat, or both. The operation of a sensor/thermostat 210may be changed based on user input. For example, a user can select, byinteracting with an interface of sensor/thermostat 210, whethersensor/thermostat 210 should operate as a sensor, thermostat, or both.In the illustrated example of FIG. 2C, one of the sensors/thermostats210 may be set to operate as a sensor and a thermostat while the othertwo sensors/thermostats 210 are set to operate as sensors only. In someinstances, this disclosure uses the words thermostat, sensor, andthermostat unit to refer to this sensor/thermostat 210.

FIG. 2D is a flowchart illustrating a method 225 of operating exampleclimate control systems. In particular embodiments, sensor/thermostat210 performs method 225. In step 230, sensor/thermostat 210 operates asa temperature sensor if a user sets sensor/thermostat 210 to operate asa temperature sensor. In step 235, sensor/thermostat 210 operates as athermostat if the user sets sensor/thermostat 210 to operate as athermostat. In step 240, sensor/thermostat 210 operates as both atemperature sensor and a thermostat if the user sets sensor/thermostat210 to operate as both a temperature sensor and a thermostat.

In certain embodiments, sensor/thermostat 210 can be configured tooperate as a standalone temperature sensing and control device withinternal setpoints, or to operate with a supervisory networkcontroller's setpoints. Additionally, in certain embodiments, a user maychange the configuration (e.g., from thermostat to sensor functionality,or vice-versa) by interacting with a graphical user interface ofsensor/thermostat 210.

In certain embodiments, sensor/thermostat 210 may detect the number ofRTUs 105 that sensor/thermostat 210 controls and whether the RTUs 105are operating as zoned or unzoned (e.g., whether each RTU is used tocontrol the climate in different spaces). In the illustrated example ofFIG. 2B, sensor/thermostat 210 may detect that there are four RTUs 105and that they are operating unzoned. An interface of sensor/thermostat210 may change depending on whether multiple RTUs 105 are detected andwhether they are operating zoned or unzoned. For example, the interfacemay present information for multiple RTUs if multiple RTUs are detected.As another example, the interface may present the detected temperaturesfor multiple zones if the RTUs are zoned.

FIG. 2E is a flowchart illustrating a method 250 of operating an exampleclimate control system. In particular embodiments, sensor/thermostat 210performs method 250. In step 255, sensor/thermostat 210 detects a numberof connected RTUs. In step 260, sensor/thermostat 210 detects whetherthe RTUs are zoned or unzoned. In certain embodiments, sensor/thermostat210 provides a consistent user interface regardless of whether itcontrols a single RTU or multiple RTUs or whether the RTUs are zoned orunzoned. In certain embodiments, a single sensor/thermostat 210 maycontrol multiple RTUs through adjustment of dampers as well asheating/cooling votes per each individual RTU.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example cooling system 300. Cooling system 300may form a portion of the climate control system and/or RTU 105. Asillustrated in FIG. 3A, cooling system 300 includes a high side heatexchanger 305, an expansion valve 310, a load 315, a compressor 320, anda controller 325. In particular embodiments, controller 325 may allowfor a temperature set point to be overridden by a temperature set pointset by an individual user.

This disclosure contemplates one or more components of cooling system300 forming an RTU 105. For example, an RTU 105 may include high sideheat exchanger 305, expansion valve 310, load 315, compressor 320,and/or controller 325. In some embodiments, controller 325 may becoupled to an external housing of RTU 105. This disclosure contemplatescooling system 300 and/or the climate control system includingadditional components that are not illustrated, such as for example, aflash tank and/or additional compressors and expansion valves.

High side heat exchanger 305 may remove heat from the refrigerant. Whenheat is removed from the refrigerant, the refrigerant is cooled. Thisdisclosure contemplates high side heat exchanger 305 being operated as acondenser and/or a gas cooler. When operating as a condenser, high sideheat exchanger 305 cools the refrigerant such that the state of therefrigerant changes from a gas to a liquid. When operating as a gascooler, high side heat exchanger 305 cools the refrigerant but therefrigerant remains a gas. In certain configurations, high side heatexchanger 305 is positioned such that heat removed from the refrigerantmay be discharged into the air. For example, high side heat exchanger305 may be positioned on a rooftop so that heat removed from therefrigerant may be discharged into the air. As another example, highside heat exchanger 305 may be positioned external to a building and/oron the side of a building.

Expansion valve 310 reduces the pressure and therefore the temperatureof the refrigerant. Expansion valve 310 reduces pressure from therefrigerant flowing into the expansion valve 310. The temperature of therefrigerant may then drop as pressure is reduced. As a result, warm orhot refrigerant entering expansion valve 310 may be cooler when leavingexpansion valve 310. The refrigerant leaving expansion valve 310 is fedto load 315.

Refrigerant may flow from expansion valve 310 to load 315. When therefrigerant reaches load 315, the refrigerant removes heat from the airaround load 315. As a result, the air is cooled. The cooled air may thenbe circulated such as, for example, by a fan, to cool a space, such as aroom of a building. As refrigerant passes through load 315, therefrigerant may change from a liquid state to a gaseous state.

Refrigerant may flow from load 315 to compressor 320. This disclosurecontemplates system 100 including any number of compressors 320.Compressor 320 may be configured to increase the pressure of therefrigerant. As a result, the heat in the refrigerant may becomeconcentrated and the refrigerant may become a high pressure gas.Compressor 320 may then send the compressed refrigerant to high sideheat exchanger 305.

Controller 325 may activate and/or deactivate components of coolingsystem 300. For example, controller 325 may activate high side heatexchanger 305 and/or compressor 320 based on temperature set points. Inone example, controller 325 may receive a temperature set point. Thencontroller 325 may receive a detected temperature of a space from sensor210 over line 335. Controller 325 compares the detected temperature andthe temperature set point to determine whether high side heat exchanger305 and/or compressor 320 should be activated and/or deactivated. Forexample, if the detected temperature is lower than the temperature setpoint, then controller 325 may deactivate high side heat exchanger 305and/or compressor 320. If the detected temperature is higher than thetemperature set point, then controller 325 may activate high side heatexchanger 305 and/or compressor 320 to cool a space 215.

Controller 325 may allow a user to override the temperature set points.For example, the user may operate an adjustment mechanism of athermostat/sensor 210 in a space 215 to provide a different temperatureset point. When controller 325 determines that a new temperature setpoint has been provided by the user, controller 325 may operate coolingsystem 300 based on the user's temperature set point. For example, ifthe detected temperature of a space is 75 degrees Fahrenheit and thetemperature set point is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, then controller 325 maynot normally activate high side heat exchanger 305 and/or compressor320. However, if a user provides a new temperature set point of 73degrees Fahrenheit, then controller 325 may allow the user's temperatureset point to override. As a result, controller 325 may activate highside heat exchanger 305 and/or compressor 320 based on the user'stemperature set point to cool a space 215.

In particular embodiments, controller 325 may operate cooling system 300based on a user's temperature set point for a period of time. Forexample, controller 325 may operate using a user's temperature set pointfor a set period of time such as, for example, 15 minutes. Whencontroller 325 determines that the user's temperature set point shouldoverride and that the user's temperature set point is lower than thedetected temperature of the space, controller 325 may activate high sideheat exchanger 305 and/or compressor 320 and start running a timer for15 minutes. When the timer expires, controller 325 may revert back tothe original temperature set point and deactivate high side heatexchanger 305 and/or compressor 320. In this manner, a user may overridethe temperature set point for a period of time. As a result, controller325 prevents a user's temperature set point from overriding for anundesirable period of time.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example heating system 340. Heating system 340may form a portion of the climate control system and/or RTU 105. Asillustrated in FIG. 3B, heating system 340 includes an intake 345, aheater 350, a distribution 355, and controller 325. In particularembodiments, controller 325 may allow for a temperature set point to beoverridden by a temperature set point set by an individual user.

This disclosure contemplates one or more components of heating system340 forming an RTU 105. For example, an RTU 105 may include intake 345,heater 350, distribution 355, and/or controller 325. In someembodiments, controller 325 may be coupled to an external housing of RTU105. This disclosure contemplates heating system 340 and/or the climatecontrol system including additional components that are not illustrated.

Intake 345 may receive and/or collect colder air internal and/orexternal to building 100. Intake 345 then circulates this colder air toheater 350 to be heated. This disclosure contemplates intake 345including any appropriate components such as for example one or morefans, one or more vents, and one or more ventilation shafts.

Heater 350 receives the colder air from intake 345 and heats that air toproduce a warmer air. Heater 350 then circulates that warmer air todistribution 355 to heat a space 215. This disclosure contemplatesheater 350 including any appropriate components such as for example afurnace, a boiler, and/or a heat pump. This disclosure furthercontemplates heater 350 using gas or electric supplies.

Distribution 355 receives the warmer air from heater 350 and circulatesthat warmer air throughout a space 215 to heat the space 215. As thatwarmer air heats the space 215, the air cools and is taken back toheater 350 by intake 345. This disclosure contemplates distribution 355including any appropriate components such as for example one or morefans, one or more vents, and one or more ventilation shafts.

Controller 325 may activate and/or deactivate components of heatingsystem 340. For example, controller 325 may activate heater 350 and/orone or more fans. In one example, controller 325 may receive atemperature set point. Then controller 325 may receive a detectedtemperature of a space from sensor 210 over line 335. Controller 325compares the detected temperature and the temperature set point todetermine whether heating system 340 should be activated and/ordeactivated. For example, if the detected temperature is higher than thetemperature set point, then controller 325 may deactivate heating system340. If the detected temperature is lower than the temperature setpoint, then controller 325 may activate heating system 340 to heat aspace 215.

Controller 325 may allow a user to override the temperature set point.For example, the user may operate an adjustment mechanism of athermostat/sensor 210 in a space 215 to provide a different temperatureset point and/or change the occupancy status of space 215. Whencontroller 325 determines that a new temperature set point should beset, controller 325 may operate heating system 340 based on the user'stemperature set point rather than the original temperature set point.For example, if the detected temperature of a space is 75 degreesFahrenheit and the temperature set point provided by automationcontroller 205 is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, then controller 325 may notnormally activate heating system 340. However, if a user provides a newtemperature set point of 78 degrees Fahrenheit, then controller 325 mayallow the user's temperature set point to override the temperature setpoint provided by automation controller 205. As a result, controller 325may activate heating system 340 based on the user's temperature setpoint to heat a space 215.

In particular embodiments, controller 325 may operate heating system 340based on a user's temperature set point for a period of time. Forexample, automation control 110 may be programmed to allow controller325 to operate using a user's temperature set point for a set period oftime such as, for example, 15 minutes. When controller 325 determinesthat the user's temperature set point should override and that theuser's temperature set point is higher than the detected temperature ofthe space, controller 325 may activate heating system 340 and startrunning a timer for 15 minutes. When the timer expires, controller 325may revert back to the original temperature set point and deactivateheating system 340. In this manner, a user may override the originaltemperature set point for a period of time. As a result, controller 325prevents a user's temperature set point from overriding for anundesirable period of time.

This disclosure contemplates controller 325 including any combination ofhardware (e.g., a processor and a memory). A processor of controller 325may be any electronic circuitry, including, but not limited tomicroprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC),application specific instruction set processor (ASIP), and/or statemachines, that communicatively couples to a memory of controller 325 andcontrols the operation of the climate control system. The processor maybe 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit or of any other suitable architecture.The processor may include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) for performingarithmetic and logic operations, processor registers that supplyoperands to the ALU and store the results of ALU operations, and acontrol unit that fetches instructions from memory and executes them bydirecting the coordinated operations of the ALU, registers and othercomponents. The processor may include other hardware and software thatoperates to control and process information. The processor executessoftware stored on memory to perform any of the functions describedherein. The processor controls the operation and administration of theclimate control system by processing information. The processor may be aprogrammable logic device, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, anysuitable processing device, or any suitable combination of thepreceding. The processor is not limited to a single processing deviceand may encompass multiple processing devices.

The memory may store, either permanently or temporarily, data,operational software, or other information for the processor. The memorymay include any one or a combination of volatile or non-volatile localor remote devices suitable for storing information. For example, thememory may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, or any other suitableinformation storage device or a combination of these devices. Thesoftware represents any suitable set of instructions, logic, or codeembodied in a computer-readable storage medium. For example, thesoftware may be embodied in the memory, a disk, a CD, or a flash drive.In particular embodiments, the software may include an applicationexecutable by the processor to perform one or more of the functionsdescribed herein.

In some applications, such as certain applications where a wall-mountedsensor/thermostat is used to sense space temperature, one or moreexternal sensors may be installed in order to average temperatures. FIG.4A illustrates example temperature sensors. Specifically, FIG. 4Aillustrates four different configurations of example temperaturesensors. As shown in FIG. 4A, each configuration includes one or moretemperature sensors that each have an electrical resistance. In certainembodiments, the electrical resistance of a temperature sensor isprovided and/or supplied by a resistor installed in the temperaturesensor. The resistance of a temperature sensor can be changed bychanging and/or replacing that electrical resistor. However, theequivalent resistances of the temperature sensors in each configurationmust be a certain value (e.g., 20 kOhms). When a temperature sensor isadded or removed, the resistors in the remaining temperature sensorsshould be adjusted to maintain the equivalent resistance. For example,an installer would typically have to configure these sensors indifferent variations and orientations to achieve the desired resistancecorresponding to the desired number of sensors. As a result, addingand/or removing temperature sensors presents a configuration difficultyfor administrators of the climate control system.

FIG. 4B illustrates example temperature sensors. This disclosurecontemplates a thermostat and/or a controller determining the number oftemperature sensors connected in the climate control system andadjusting automatically when temperature sensors are removed and/oradded. For example, a user may input to the thermostat or controller thenumber of temperature sensors in the climate control system. Thethermostat and/or controller may then adjust for that number oftemperature sensors. The user may add and/or remove temperature sensorsto/from the system. In certain embodiments, there exists a maximumnumber of temperature sensors that the thermostat and/or controller canaccommodate (e.g., nine temperature sensors). In some embodiments, thetemperature sensors are not polarity sensitive. In this manner, thethermostat and/or controller addresses the difficulties faced whenadding and/or removing temperature sensors (e.g., changing resistors inremaining temperature sensors). For example, in certain embodiments, theinstaller does not need to change orientation and simply needs to enterthe number of sensors required and install them the same way.

FIG. 4C is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 of operating exampleclimate control systems. In particular embodiments, a thermostat and/orcontroller performs method 400. In step 405, the thermostat and/orcontroller receives the number of installed temperature sensors. In step410, the thermostat and/or controller detects the number of installedtemperature sensors.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example climate control system. As shown in FIG.5A, a thermostat may communicate information to an RTU. This one-waycommunication may instruct the RTU to activate and/or deactivate. Insome embodiments, this information may be communicated over a bundle ofwires (e.g., Y1, Y2, W1, and W2). The signals may be discrete 24V ACsignals. However, one-way communication does not allow for the RTU tocommunicate information back to the thermostat. As a result, The RTUwill be limited to the capabilities of the thermostat, for example, interms of the number of heating/cooling stages and blower speeds that canbe operated by the thermostat.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example climate control system. As shown in FIG.5B, a thermostat may communicate information to an RTU, and the RTU maycommunicate information back to the thermostat. This two-waycommunication may instruct the RTU to activate and/or deactivate and itmay also allow for the thermostat to adjust based on informationdetected at the RTU. For example, a user may set temperature set pointsat the RTU and the thermostat may update its temperature set pointsbased on the user's set points. As another example, the RTU may havesensors (e.g., carbon dioxide sensors, humidity sensors, etc.) thatcommunicate detected information to the thermostat. The thermostat maythen determine whether the RTU should activate or deactivate.

Two-way communication between the thermostat and the RTU may allow formore robust operation over a one-way communication system. For example,two-way communication allows the RTU to operate to its maximumcapabilities including diagnostics, maximized heating/cooling stages,and full modulating operation. As a further example, in certainembodiments, the RTU can operate heating and/or cooling on its own basedon commands and/or setpoints communicated between the thermostat and theRTU. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the RTU can operatedehumidification on its own based on commands and/or setpointscommunicated between the thermostat and the RTU. In an embodiment, auser configures temperature and humidity setpoints using a graphicaluser interface of the thermostat, the thermostat provides theuser-configured temperature and humidity setpoints to the RTU, and theRTU operates on its own based on the user-configured temperature andhumidity setpoints that it received from the thermostat.

FIG. 5C is a flowchart illustrating a method 500 of operating exampleclimate control systems. In particular embodiments, a thermostat and/oran RTU perform method 500. In step 505, the thermostat receives atemperature set point. In step 510, the thermostat communicates thereceived temperature set point to the RTU. In step 515, the RTU receivesa detected humidity level and/or carbon dioxide level. In step 520, theRTU transmits the received humidity level and/or carbon dioxide level tothe thermostat.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example climate control system. As shown in FIG.6, a thermostat may include an integrated carbon dioxide sensor. Thecarbon dioxide sensor may be included in the same housing as thethermostat and/or may be integrated on the same circuit board as thethermostat. By integrating the carbon dioxide sensor with thethermostat, the thermostat unit is able to detect carbon dioxide levelsand communicate those detected levels to the RTU. The thermostat unit isalso able to instruct the RTU to open and/or close dampers based ondetected carbon dioxide levels. Additionally, in certain embodiments,the thermostat is configured to display information related to carbondioxide to the user via a graphical user interface. As an example, thethermostat may display a detected amount of carbon dioxide (e.g., inparts per million). As another example, the thermostat may displaycarbon dioxide setpoints used in controlling ventilation based on thedetected carbon dioxide level. In certain embodiments, the graphicaluser interface may provide a unified view into the operation of bothtemperature and carbon dioxide controls.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method 700 of operating exampleclimate control systems. In particular embodiments, a thermostat unitperforms method 700. In step 705, the thermostat unit receives atemperature set point at a thermostat of the thermostat unit. In step710, the thermostat unit detects a carbon dioxide level using anintegrated carbon dioxide sensor of the thermostat unit. In step 715,the thermostat unit transmits the received temperature set point and thedetected carbon dioxide level to an RTU. The RTU may open and/or closedampers based on the detected carbon dioxide level. For example, RTU mayopen dampers to increase fresh air ventilation if the carbon dioxidelevel in the conditioned space exceeds a threshold. The RTU may closedampers to decrease fresh air ventilation if the carbon dioxide level inthe conditioned space is below a threshold. In certain embodiments, thecarbon dioxide level may be an indicator of occupancy of the conditionedspace (e.g., an increase in carbon dioxide may be interpreted as achange from an unoccupied state to an occupied state, or as an increasein the number of occupants), and the occupancy level may be indicativeof the amount of ventilation required.

In certain embodiments, a climate control system may operate based onschedules and/or occupancy status of a space. For example, a system mayoperate with different temperature set points when a space is occupiedrather than when it is unoccupied. In this manner, the system savesenergy by not maintaining the comfort/climate of a space when it isunoccupied. In some embodiments, the occupancy status of a space can bescheduled into the system. For example, a schedule can be set for whenthe system will operate under occupied status and when it will operateunder unoccupied status. The system may include an occupancy sensor inthe space that detects when the space is occupied.

The system may operate based on the occupancy sensor and the schedule.For example, if a schedule indicates that the system should be operatingin occupied status and the space is occupied, then the thermostatoperates in occupied status until the schedule expires or until thespace is unoccupied. If the space is unoccupied, then the thermostatoperates in unoccupied status. As another example, if a scheduleindicates that the system should be operating in unoccupied status andthe space is occupied, then the occupancy sensor goes to occupied (e.g.,using its L Connection or iCON occupied back up set points). If thespace is unoccupied, then the occupancy sensor goes unoccupied (e.g.,using its L Connection or iCON unoccupied back up set points).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method 800 of operating exampleclimate control systems. In particular embodiments, a thermostat and/oran occupancy sensor performs method 800. In step 805, the thermostatdetermines whether a schedule indicates that it should operate inoccupied or unoccupied mode. If the schedule indicates that it should beoperating in occupied mode, then the thermostat will determine whetherthe occupancy sensor indicates the space is occupied or not in step 815.If the space is occupied, then the occupancy sensor will go to occupieduntil the schedule expires or until the space is unoccupied in step 835.If the space is unoccupied, then the occupancy sensor goes unoccupied instep 830.

If the schedule indicates that it should be operating in unoccupiedmode, then the thermostat will determine whether the occupancy sensorindicates the space is occupied or not in step 810. If the space isoccupied, then the occupancy sensor goes occupied (e.g., using its LConnection or iCON occupied back up set points) in step 825. If thespace is unoccupied, then the occupancy sensor goes unoccupied (e.g.,using its L Connection or iCON unoccupied back up set points).

An advantage of certain embodiments is that occupancy state can bedetermined based on actual occupancy of the conditioned space ratherthan based on a pre-defined occupied time period within a schedule (suchas a schedule that considers the space occupied during pre-definedbusiness hours and unoccupied after business hours, regardless of theactual occupancy). Any suitable occupancy sensor may be used todetermine actual occupancy. As an example, an occupancy sensor maydetect an activity, such as an occupant entering commands into athermostat, an occupant interacting with other equipment that is incommunication with the climate control system (e.g., the climate controlsystem receives a notification if the occupant turns on lights ortriggers a motion detector within the conditioned space), or a sensordetecting that the carbon dioxide level within the conditioned space hasexceeded a threshold.

The occupancy sensor can be used either when the climate control systemis in scheduled mode or when it is not in scheduled mode. For example,in certain embodiments, if the climate control system is in scheduledmode and the schedule indicates that the space is unoccupied, theoccupancy sensor can override the unoccupied schedule and cause thesystem to use settings associated with an occupied status during anoverride time period (e.g., a pre-defined time period, such as 15minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or N minutes, or a timeperiod corresponding to as long as the occupancy sensor detectsoccupancy). After the override time period, the system resumes using thescheduled settings. In certain embodiments, if the climate controlsystem is in scheduled mode and the schedule indicates that the space isoccupied, the occupancy sensor has no effect because the climate controlsystem is already operating according to settings associated with anoccupied status.

With respect to embodiments for which the climate control system is notconfigured in a scheduled mode, the climate control system may usesettings associated with an occupied status during the times when theoccupancy sensor detects occupancy, and the climate control system mayuse settings associated with an unoccupied status during the times thatthe occupancy sensor does not detect occupancy.

The logic for determining whether to configure the climate controlsystem according to occupied or unoccupied settings may be performed byany suitable controller, such as a thermostat (e.g., sensor/thermostat210) or other controller (e.g., controller 325) of the climate controlsystem.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method 900 that may be performed bya controller for a climate control system. As an example, in certainembodiments, the controller may be a thermostat (e.g., sensor/thermostat210). The thermostat may be located within a conditioned space. Incertain embodiments, the thermostat comprises a graphical user interfacethat accepts inputs from a user and displays outputs to the user. Inother embodiments, the controller may be an controller 325 of an RTU.The RTU may be located outdoors/outside of the conditioned space.

At step 902, the method instructs a climate control system to operateaccording to an occupied mode or an unoccupied mode based on apre-defined schedule. The occupied mode uses pre-defined settingsassociated with an occupied status, and the unoccupied mode usespre-defined settings associated with an unoccupied status. As anexample, the climate control system may be configured to control theclimate for a space used by a business. The pre-defined schedule mayoperate the climate control system according to the occupied mode duringnormal business hours, and the pre-defined schedule may operate theclimate control system according to the unoccupied mode outside ofnormal business hours.

In certain embodiments, the pre-defined settings associated with theoccupied status may be configured based on comfort of the occupant, andthe pre-defined settings associated with the unoccupied status may beconfigured based on energy efficiency. As one example, when the climatecontrol system is performing cooling (e.g., during summer), thepre-defined settings associated with the occupied status may beconfigured to cool the space according to a setpoint of 72 degreesFahrenheit, whereas the pre-defined settings associated with theunoccupied status may be configured to cool the space according to asetpoint of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As another example, when the climatecontrol system is performing heating (e.g., during winter), thepre-defined settings associated with the occupied status may beconfigured to heat the space according to a setpoint of 75 degreesFahrenheit, whereas the pre-defined settings associated with theunoccupied status may be configured to heat the space according to asetpoint of 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

At step 904, the method receives an indication that an occupancy sensordetects the space as being occupied. The indication is received when thepre-defined schedule requires the climate control system to operate inthe unoccupied mode (such as after normal business hours). Any suitableoccupancy sensor may be used to detect occupancy. As an example, anoccupancy sensor may detect an activity, such as an occupant enteringcommands into a thermostat, an occupant interacting with other equipmentthat is in communication with the climate control system (e.g., theclimate control system receives a notification if the occupant turns onlights or triggers a motion detector within the conditioned space), or asensor detecting that the carbon dioxide level within the conditionedspace has exceeded a threshold.

At step 906, in response to receiving the indication in step 904 thatthe occupancy sensor detects the space as being occupied, the methodinstructs the climate control system to use the pre-defined settingsassociated with the occupied status during an override time period. Forexample, prior to receiving the indication that the space is occupied,the climate control system may be configured to cool the space accordingto the setpoint of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., for energy efficiency)based on the pre-defined schedule. In response to receiving theindication that the space is occupied, the climate control system may beinstructed to cool the space according to the setpoint of 72 degreesFahrenheit (e.g., for occupant comfort). Any suitable override timeperiod may be used. For example, the override time period may correspondto a pre-defined time period (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes,60 minutes, or N minutes), or the override time period may continue foras long as the occupancy sensor detects the space as being occupied.

At step 908, in response to determining that the override time periodhas ended, the method instructs the climate control system to resumeoperation according to the pre-defined schedule. Thus, if thepre-defined schedule has scheduled the current time for unoccupied mode,the method instructs the climate control system to resume using thepre-defined settings associated with the unoccupied mode. Continuingwith the example discussed above, if the current time is after businesshours, the method instructs the climate control system to resume coolingthe space according to the setpoint of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

At step 910, the method receives a second indication that the occupancysensor detects the space as being occupied. The second indicationreceived when the pre-defined schedule requires the climate controlsystem to operate in the occupied mode (e.g., during normal businesshours). In response to receiving the second indication, the methodallows the climate control system to continue operation according to thepre-defined schedule (step 912). Thus, the method can ignore theoccupancy sensor information received during the time periods that thepre-defined schedule has scheduled the space in occupied mode.

At step 914, the method determines that a user has entered user-definedsettings via a graphical user interface, and at step 916, the methodinstructs the climate control system to use the user-defined settingsfor a period of time before instructing the climate control system toresume operation according to the pre-defined schedule. The period oftime can be the same or different than the override time perioddiscussed with respect to step 906. In certain embodiments, the periodof time can be pre-defined. In certain embodiments, the period of timecan be entered by the user. Steps 914-916 allow the user to configureuser-defined setpoints, e.g., based on the user's current comfort level.As an example, if the user is too cold when the climate control systemis cooling the space according to the occupied mode setpoint of 72degrees Fahrenheit, the user may request the climate control system totemporarily operate according to a setpoint of 74 degrees Fahrenheit.

At step 918, the method determines that the pre-defined schedule hasbeen disabled (e.g., based on a command received from the user). Inresponse, at step 920, the method instructs the climate control systemto use the pre-defined settings associated with the occupied status whenthe occupancy sensor detects the space as being occupied, and to use thepre-defined settings associated with the unoccupied status when theoccupancy sensor does not detect the space as being occupied.

The method described with respect to FIG. 9 may have more or fewersteps, and the steps may be performed in any suitable order. As anexample, steps 904-908 may be optional in certain embodiments (e.g.,depending on whether an indication is received from an occupancy sensorduring a scheduled unoccupied mode). As another example, steps 910-912may be optional in certain embodiments (e.g., depending on whether anindication is received from an occupancy sensor during a scheduledoccupied mode). As another example, steps 914-916 may be optional incertain embodiments (e.g., depending on whether a user decides to enteruser-defined settings). As another example, steps 918-920 may beoptional in certain embodiments (e.g., depending on whether the userdecides to disable the pre-defined schedule).

Thus, the steps performed after step 902 may depend on the type of inputreceived by the controller. For example, if the input received afterstep 902 is an indication of actual occupancy received from a sensorduring a scheduled unoccupied mode, the method may proceed to steps904-908 and then return to step 902. If the input received after step902 is an indication of actual occupancy received from a sensor during ascheduled occupied mode, the method may proceed to steps 910-912 andthen return to step 902. If the input received after step 902 isuser-defined settings, the method may proceed to steps 914-916 and thenreturn to step 902. If the input received after step 902 disables thepre-defined schedule, the method may proceed to steps 918-920.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1000 that may be performedby a device used in a climate control system. For example, the devicemay be a sensor/thermostat 210 described above. At step 1002, the methoddetermines, based on configuration information, whether thermostatfunctionality of the device is enabled or disabled. When the device'sthermostat functionality is enabled, certain embodiments operate thedevice based on internal setpoints within the device. For example, theinternal setpoints may comprise temperature setpoints that the deviceuses to determine climate control commands to send to an RTU. Theclimate control commands can be determined based on sensor data receivedfrom one or more sensors. In certain embodiments, when the sensorfunctionality is enabled, the sensor data is received at least in partfrom an internal sensor of the device. In addition, or in thealternative, sensor data may be received from one or more externalsensors (such as another sensor/thermostat 210 configured with onlysensor functionality enabled). When the device's thermostatfunctionality is disabled, certain embodiments use an externalcontroller (separate from the device) to control the climate controlcommands.

At step 1004, the method determines, based on the configurationinformation, whether sensor functionality of the device is enabled ordisabled. In certain embodiments, the determination may be madeimplicitly (e.g., it may be determined that the sensor functionality isenabled if the device includes a sensor). In other embodiments, thedetermination may be made explicitly (e.g., based a parameter that auser has configured to enable the sensor functionality). When the sensorfunctionality is enabled, the device may report sensor data to acontroller within the device (e.g., when the device's own thermostatfunctionality is also enabled) or to an external controller (e.g., whenthe device's own thermostat functionality is disabled). The externalcontroller could be a centralized thermostat, such as anothersensor/thermostat 210 with its thermostat functionality enabled, or acontroller 325 of an RTU. The sensor data may be sent to the externalcontroller via a network.

At step 1006, the method operates the device according to theconfiguration information. In certain embodiments, the device may beconfigured to operate as a thermostat, a sensor, or both depending onthe configuration information.

At step 1008, the method receives updated configuration information froma user via a graphical user interface. The updated configurationinformation changes an enabled/disabled status of the thermostatfunctionality or the sensor functionality. Changing the enabled/disabledstatus of the thermostat functionality comprises enabling the thermostatfunctionality (e.g., if the thermostat functionality was previouslydisabled) or disabling the thermostat functionality (e.g., if thethermostat functionality was previously enabled). As an example, theuser may decide to change the thermostat functionality from enabled todisabled if an external controller (such as another sensor/thermostat210) is operating the setpoints for the climate control system. Thus,the device can be configured as only a sensor that reports sensor datato the external controller configured with its own setpoints. As anotherexample, the user may decide to change the thermostat functionality fromdisabled to enabled if the user decides that the device should operatebased on internal setpoints within the device. Changing theenabled/disabled status of the sensor functionality comprises enablingthe sensor functionality (e.g., if the sensor functionality waspreviously disabled) or disabling the sensor functionality (e.g., if thesensor functionality was previously enabled). At step 1010, the methodoperates the device according to the updated configuration information.

As discussed above, the device may include one or more internal sensors.In certain embodiments, one of the internal sensors comprises a carbondioxide sensor. In certain embodiments, when the sensor functionality isenabled, the device reports a detected carbon dioxide level to anexternal controller (such as controller 325 of an RTU) and the externalcontroller controls ventilation of the climate control system based onthe detected carbon dioxide level. In certain embodiments, when thesensor functionality and the thermostat functionality of the device areboth enabled, the device itself detects a carbon dioxide level andcontrols ventilation of the climate control system based on the detectedcarbon dioxide level.

In certain embodiments, the device is further operable to determine anumber of sensors associated with the climate control system and toadjust a resistance for each sensor based on the number of sensors. Thedevice may be further operable to automatically adjust the resistancefor each sensor in response to a determination that at least one sensorhas been added to or removed from the climate control system. An exampleis discussed above with respect to FIG. 4B.

The method described with respect to FIG. 10 may have more or fewersteps, and the steps may be performed in any suitable order. As anexample, steps 1008-1010 may be optional in certain embodiments (e.g.,depending on whether the user decides to update the configurationinformation).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1100 using two-waycommunication between a thermostat and at least one RTU within a climatecontrol system. At step 1102, the method uses two-way communication forcommunicating operational information between the thermostat and theRTU. For example, the two-way communication may be exchanged between asensor/thermostat 210 and a controller 325 of the RTU via any suitablenetwork. The two-way communication comprises communicating firstoperational information from the thermostat to the RTU and communicatingsecond operational information from the RTU to the thermostat.

The operational information comprises one or more climate controlcommands, setpoints, configuration information (e.g., capabilitiesrelated to climate control, configured settings related to climatecontrol, etc.), diagnostics (e.g., status, alerts, error codes, etc.),and/or sensor data. As one example, in certain embodiments, the firstoperational information communicated from the thermostat to the RTUindicates one or more temperature setpoints that allow the RTU tooperate heating or cooling on its own. As another example, in certainembodiments, the first operational information communicated from thethermostat to the RTU comprises sensor data based on a temperature,humidity level, or carbon dioxide level that the thermostat receivesfrom one or more sensors, such as sensors located within a conditionedspace. As another example, in certain embodiments, the secondoperational information communicated from the RTU to the thermostatcomprises sensor data based on a temperature (such as an outdoor airtemperature or a refrigerant discharge temperature), a humidity level(such as an outdoor humidity level), or other sensor data that the RTUreceives from one or more sensors. As yet another example, in certainembodiments, the second operational information communicated from theRTU to the thermostat comprises diagnostics (e.g., status, alerts, errorcodes, etc.).

At step 1104, the method operates the climate control system based onthe operational information communicated between the thermostat and theRTU. Operating the climate control system may comprise, for example,increasing or decreasing heating, cooling, or ventilation, or modifyinga configured setting or setpoint. Additionally, in certain embodiments,the thermostat may update a graphical user interface to displayinformation received from the RTU, such as configuration informationassociated with the RTU (e.g., capabilities, configured settings, etc.)or diagnostics associated with the RTU (e.g., status, alerts, errorcodes, etc.).

In certain embodiments, operating the climate control system comprisesoperating one or more of the components discussed above with respect toFIGS. 3A-3B. As one example, in certain embodiments, the thermostat mayoperate the climate control system by including a climate controlcommand in the first operational information. The climate controlcommand can be based on capability information that the thermostatreceives from the RTU (the capability information indicates one or moreclimate control commands supported by the RTU). As another example, incertain embodiments, the thermostat may operate the climate controlsystem by including setpoints in the first operational information thatthe RTU uses when determining whether to increase or decrease heating,cooling, or ventilation. Thus, in certain embodiments, the RTU mayoperate the climate control system by applying climate control commandsor setpoints received from the thermostat.

In certain embodiments, the thermostat is further operable to detectwhen it is connected to multiple RTUs. The thermostat can automaticallyadjust dampers for each RTU and/or adjust heating/cooling votes for eachRTU based on the number of RTUs connected to the thermostat.Additionally, in certain embodiments, the thermostat is further operableto detect whether the RTUs are configured for zoned operation or unzonedoperation. The thermostat can then automatically adjust dampers for eachRTU and/or adjust heating/cooling votes for each RTU based on whetherthe RTUs are configured for zoned operation or unzoned operation. Zonedoperation comprises using each RTU to control the climate in a differentspace, and unzoned operation comprises using each RTU to control theclimate in the same space.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to any of the methodsdisclosed herein. These methods may include more, fewer, or other steps,and steps may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order. Whilediscussed as certain components of the climate control system controllerperforming the steps, any suitable component or combination ofcomponents may perform one or more steps of these methods. Certainexamples have been described using the modifiers “first” or “second”(e.g., first indication, second indication, first operationalinformation, second operational information). The modifiers do notrequire any particular sequence (e.g., the second indication can bereceived before or after the first indication, and the secondoperational information can be communicated before or after the firstoperational information).

Although the present disclosure includes several embodiments, a myriadof changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modificationsmay be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that thepresent disclosure encompass such changes, variations, alterations,transformations, and modifications as fall within the scope of theappended claims.

1. A thermostat for use in a climate control system, the thermostatconfigured to: use two-way communication for communicating operationalinformation between the thermostat and at least one rooftop unit (RTU)within the climate control system, the operational informationcomprising one or more of climate control commands, setpoints,configuration information, diagnostics, and sensor data; and cause theRTU to operate to provide one or both of heating and cooling based atleast in part on an initial setpoint indicated by the operationalinformation communicated between the thermostat and the RTU or auser-indicated setpoint; wherein the two-way communication comprisessending first operational information to the RTU and receiving secondoperational information from the RTU, wherein the second operationalinformation received from the RTU comprises capability informationindicating one or more climate control commands supported by the RTU,and wherein the first operational information sent to the RTU comprisesone of the climate control commands supported by the RTU according tothe received capability information.
 2. The thermostat of claim 1,wherein the thermostat is further configured to receive a temperature, ahumidity level, or a carbon dioxide level from one or more sensorswithin a conditioned space, and wherein the first operationalinformation comprises sensor data based on the received temperature,humidity level, or carbon dioxide level.
 3. The thermostat of claim 1,wherein the second operational information comprises sensor data basedon a refrigerant discharge temperature, an outdoor air temperature, oran outdoor humidity level that the RTU receives from one or moresensors.
 4. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the thermostat is furtherconfigured to: cause the RTU to operate to provide one or both ofheating and cooling based on the user-indicated setpoint for apre-defined period of time; and in response to determining that thepre-defined period time has elapsed, cause the RTU to revert tooperating to provide one or both of heating and cooling based at leastin part on the initial setpoint.
 5. The thermostat of claim 2, whereinthe thermostat is further configured to: determine a number of the oneor more sensors within the conditioned space, wherein each sensor of theone or more sensors is not polarity sensitive; and automatically adjustaccommodation of the determined number of sensors when a sensor is oneor both of added to and removed from the conditioned space.
 6. Thethermostat of claim 1, wherein the thermostat further configured to:detect when it is connected to multiple RTUs; automatically adjust oneor both of dampers for each RTU and heating/cooling votes for each RTUbased on the number of RTUs connected to the thermostat.
 7. Thethermostat of claim 6, the thermostat further configured to: detectwhether the one or more RTUs are configured for zoned operation orunzoned operation; and automatically adjust one or both of dampers foreach RTU and heating/cooling votes for each RTU based on whether theRTUs are configured for zoned operation or unzoned operation; whereinzoned operation comprises using each RTU to control the climate in adifferent space and unzoned operation comprises using each RTU tocontrol the climate in the same space.
 8. A rooftop unit (RTU)controller for use in a climate control system, the RTU controllerconfigured to: use two-way communication for communicating operationalinformation between the RTU controller and a thermostat within theclimate control system, the operational information comprising one ormore of climate control commands, setpoints, configuration information,diagnostics, and sensor data; and cause a rooftop unit (RTU) associatedwith the RTU controller to operate to provide one or both of heating andcooling based at least in part on an initial setpoint indicated by theoperational information communicated between the RTU controller and thethermostat or a user-indicated setpoint; wherein the two-waycommunication comprises receiving first operational information from thethermostat and sending second operational information to the thermostat,wherein the second operational information that the RTU communicates tothe thermostat comprises capability information indicating one or moreclimate control commands supported by the RTU, and wherein the firstoperational information that the RTU receives from the thermostatcomprises one of the climate control commands supported by the RTUaccording to the capability information.
 9. The RTU controller of claim8, wherein the RTU controller is further configured to: cause the RTU tooperate to provide one or both of heating and cooling based on theuser-indicated setpoint for a pre-defined period of time; and inresponse to determining that the pre-defined period time has elapsed,cause the RTU to revert to operating to provide one or both of heatingand cooling based at least in part on the initial setpoint.
 10. The RTUcontroller of claim 8, wherein the first operational informationcomprises sensor data based on a temperature, a humidity level, or acarbon dioxide level that the thermostat receives from one or moresensors within a conditioned space.
 11. The RTU controller of claim 8,wherein the second operational information comprises sensor data basedon a refrigerant discharge temperature, an outdoor air temperature, oran outdoor humidity level that the RTU receives from one or moresensors.
 12. The RTU controller of claim 10, wherein the RTU controlleris further configured to: determine a number of the one or more sensorswithin the conditioned space, wherein each sensor of the one or moresensors is not polarity sensitive; and automatically adjustaccommodation of the determined number of sensors when a sensor is oneor both of added to and removed from the conditioned space.
 13. Aclimate control system comprising a thermostat and a rooftop unit (RTU)comprising an RTU controller, the system configured to: use two-waycommunication for communicating operational information between the RTUcontroller and the thermostat within the climate control system, theoperational information comprising one or more of climate controlcommands, setpoints, configuration information, diagnostics, and sensordata; and cause the RTU to operate to provide one or both of heating andcooling based at least in part on an initial setpoint indicated by theoperational information communicated between the RTU controller and thethermostat or a user-indicated setpoint; wherein the two-waycommunication comprises communicating first operational information fromthe thermostat to the RTU controller and communicating secondoperational information from the RTU controller to the thermostat,wherein the second operational information communicated from the RTU tothe thermostat comprises capability information indicating one or moreclimate control commands supported by the RTU, and wherein the firstoperational information communicated from the thermostat to the RTUcomprises one of the climate control commands supported by the RTUaccording to the capability information.
 14. The climate control systemof claim 13, wherein the system is further configured to: cause the RTUto operate to provide one or both of heating and cooling based on theuser-indicated setpoint for a pre-defined period of time; and inresponse to determining that the pre-defined period time has elapsed,cause the RTU to revert to operating to provide one or both of heatingand cooling based at least in part on the initial setpoint.
 15. Theclimate control system of claim 13, wherein the first operationalinformation comprises sensor data based on a temperature, a humiditylevel, or a carbon dioxide level that the thermostat receives from oneor more sensors within a conditioned space.
 16. The climate controlsystem of claim 13, wherein the second operational information comprisessensor data based on a refrigerant discharge temperature, an outdoor airtemperature, or an outdoor humidity level that the RTU receives from oneor more sensors.
 17. The climate control system of claim 13, wherein thesystem is further configured to detect when the thermostat is connectedto multiple RTUs and to automatically adjust one or both of dampers foreach RTU and heating/cooling votes for each RTU based on the number ofRTUs connected to the thermostat.
 18. The climate control system ofclaim 13, wherein the climate control system comprises a plurality ofRTUs connected to the thermostat and the thermostat is furtherconfigured to: detect whether the RTUs are configured for zonedoperation or unzoned operation; and automatically adjust one or both ofdampers for each RTU and heating/cooling votes for each RTU based onwhether the RTUs are configured for zoned operation or unzonedoperation; wherein zoned operation comprises using each RTU to controlthe climate in a different space and unzoned operation comprises usingeach RTU to control the climate in the same space.
 19. The climatecontrol system of claim 15, the thermostat further configured to:determine a number of the one or more sensors within the conditionedspace, wherein each sensor of the one or more sensors is not polaritysensitive; and automatically adjust accommodation of the determinednumber of sensors when a sensor is one or both of added to and removedfrom the conditioned space.